ABOUT THE TREBEK INITIATIVE
Supporting the people documenting change across Canada.
IGNITING A PASSION TO PRESERVE
Understanding Canada Is The First Step Toward Preserving It
The Trebek Initiative supports emerging researchers, photographers, filmmakers and conservation leaders documenting environmental and cultural change across Canada.
Their work takes them across Arctic sea ice, remote rivers, old-growth forests and places shaped by generations of history. Through exploration in the field, scientific research and storytelling, they reveal parts of Canada that remain largely out of view.
By bringing these discoveries to wider audiences, the Initiative helps Canadians see their country in
new ways and deepen their connection to it.
Inspired by Alex Trebek's Passion for Understanding Canada
Alex Trebek believed that geographic knowledge mattered. He often spoke about the importance of understanding the places and stories that shape our lives, and spent decades supporting organizations dedicated to exploration and learning.
The Trebek Initiative was named in his honour and reflects that same belief. It supports emerging storytellers, scientists and conservation leaders whose work helps Canadians better understand the country they call home.
“Geographic knowledge has never been more important than it is today, because the better we know each other, the better we can understand and accept each other. My love of geography has allowed me to be associated with two organizations I deeply admire for more than 25 years, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society
and National Geographic Society. I am humbled that these two esteemed organizations will form the Alex Trebek Council to help support efforts to increase understanding of Canada’s many
geographic wonders.”
—Alex Trebek, RCGS Honorary President, May 2016-2020
© Colin Rowe
FROM DISCOVERY TO IMPACT
How Trebek Helps Promising People And Ideas Go Further
FUND EXPLORATION
Funding helps turn promising ideas into fieldwork, research, films, photography
and public engagement.
GROWTH BEYOND THE GRANT
Early support helps projects demonstrate their potential, opening doors to new funding, partnerships and collaboration.
IDENTIFY & SUPPORT TALENT
Emerging researchers, filmmakers and conservation leaders connect with the Initiative through workshops, mentorship
and the application process.
CONNECT & AMPLIFY
Grantees gain access to a network of peers, partners and audiences that can help their work reach further.
STORIES FUEL IMPACT
Stories, research and public engagement help important work reach wider audiences.
FILMS
Films help bring fieldwork and conservation stories to wider audiences.
MAGAZINES
Articles and features help bring discoveries and field experiences to wider audiences.
SCIENCE JOURNALS
Research findings contribute to scientific publishing and long-term understanding.
LIVE PRESENTATIONS
Public talks and educational partnerships connect researchers directly with students and communities.
GROWTH BEYOND THE GRANT
Trebek support is often just the beginning. As projects gain traction,
new partners and funders can help advance their work beyond its original scope, creating opportunities that extend well beyond the initial grant.
KIRA HOFFMAN
With new federal support, the Gitanyow Nation is expanding cultural burning knowledge-sharing with two other First Nations in British Columbia.
ANDREW BUDZIAK
Andrew’s freshwater research evolved into Freeze the Future,
expanding under-ice environmental DNA monitoring across Canada.
ALEXANDER DUNGATE
Fisheries monitoring research led to the creation of OnDeck AI, a computer vision company supporting conservation, robotics and public infrastructure.
ACROSS CANADA
Projects and fieldwork are taking place from coast to coast to coast.
FOCUS AREA:
Land
Water
Wildlife
History & Culture
TWO ICONIC ORGANIZATIONS
ONE SHARED PURPOSE
Built on a shared legacy of storytelling and exploration, the Trebek Initiative is a partnership between the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the National Geographic Society,
supporting people whose work helps Canadians better understand the country they call home.
JOIN US
Igniting a Passion to Preserve
Meaningful discoveries rarely happen in isolation.
They begin with people willing to explore important questions and grow through the support of others who believe that work matters.
Whether you're looking to stay connected, support the Initiative or
apply for funding, there are many ways to take part.
